Shaw’s Supermarkets cuts 700 positions in New England

Thursday

Nov 15, 2012 at 3:15 AM

By Ellen W. ToddSanford News Writer

SANFORD — Shaw’s Supermarkets announced recently that it was cutting about 700 positions in its Shaw’s and Star Markets in New England. The cuts, which affect 169 Shaw’s and Star Markets in five New England states, were announced Nov. 3 and took effect immediately.

The layoffs included baggers, cashiers and clerks across all 169 stores, according to spokesman Steve Sylven, and were a combination of part-time and full-time positions.

Shaw’s is a subsidiary of SuperValu Inc., based in Eden Prairie, Minn., which is the third largest grocery store chain in the nation. Shaw’s has 22 stores in Maine and 34 in New Hampshire. Sylvan declined to specify how many positions were eliminated at the Sanford Shaw’s.

He cited the competitive environment of the business and the challenging economy in general as reasons for the layoffs.

Sales losses have made it difficult for the Shaw’s chain to manage costs, Sylvan said, calling the layoffs an “immediate move to reduce those costs.”

“A decision of this nature is never easy, but after careful evaluation, it is unfortunately the necessary step for us to take to help improve our business, reduce expenses and reinvest in more customer-facing initiatives,” said Mike Stigers, president of Shaw’s.

Shaw’s in Sanford has 102 employees, according to Store Manager Ed Buckley.